Urban renewal, generally called urban regeneration, in America today is a program of land redevelopment in areas of moderate to high density urban land use. Renewal has had both successes and failures. Its modern incarnation began in the late 19th century in developed nations and experienced an intense phase in the late 1940s – under the rubric of reconstruction. The process has had a major impact on many urban landscapes, and has played an important role in the history and demographics of cities around the world.

This year's theme in urban renewal involves the relocation of businesses, the demolition of structures, the relocation of people, and the use of eminent domain (government purchase of property for public purpose) as a legal instrument to take private property for city-initiated development projects. This process is also carried out in rural areas, referred to as village renewal, though it may not be exactly the same in practice. In some cases, renewal may result in urban sprawl and less congestion when areas of cities receive freeways and expressways.

A DESIGN EVENT IN FOUR PARTS:

PIT

Pittsburgh, Pa

THE STEEL CITY MOVES FROM INDUSTRY TO SERVICE

Pittsburgh is a city in western Pennsylvania at the junction of 3 rivers. Its Gilded Age sites, including the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, speak to its history as an early-20th-century industrial capital. In the North Shore neighborhood are the modern Andy Warhol Museum and Heinz Field football stadium.

DET

Detroit, Mi

THE MOTOR CITY, THE LAST STOP ON THE L TRAIN

The most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan, the fourth-largest city in the Midwest and the largest city on the United States–Canada border. There is significant entreprenial opportunties for start-ups and receiving funding. It is the seat of Wayne County, the most populous county in the state.

BAL

Baltimore, MD

BEYOND CRIME, SURVEILLANCE AND FREDDIE GRAY

The largest city in the U.S. state of Maryland, and the 29th-most populous city in the country. It was established by the Constitution of Maryland and is not part of any county; thus, it is the largest independent city in the United States. Baltimore has more public monuments per capita than any other city in the country and is home to some of the earliest.

SYR

Syracuse, NY

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & THE CONNECTIVE CORRIDOR

A city in, and the county seat of, Onondaga County, New York, in the United States. It is the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and is the fourth most populous metropolitan city in the state of New York. It is the economic and educational hub of Central New York, a region with over a million inhabitants.